Jackson Whistleblower Attorney

The False Claims Act allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud
against the federal government to file a lawsuit on behalf of the United
States. In successful False Claims Act cases, commonly known as
whistleblower lawsuits, the guilty party is generally ordered to
repay the US triple the amount defrauded and the whistleblower who
brought the claim becomes entitled to 15 to 30 percent of the
government’s reward.

Filing a False Claims Act Lawsuit

All citizens are qualified to file a False Claims Act lawsuit, as long
as the information provided to the government regarding fraud is
original (i.e., unbeknownst to the US government). Often, the
whistleblower in False Claims Act lawsuits is an employee who uncovers
fraud at his or her own business.

For such cases, the law protects against employer retaliation and
discrimination of any kind. Persons who experience employer retaliation
for filing a False Claims Act lawsuit are entitled to additional
damages, as well as reinstatement to their previous position or one of
greater esteem. All False Claims Act lawsuits are filed confidentially
and may not be viewed by either the accused or the general public. While
the investigation is ongoing, the accused will not be made aware of the
investigation or who initiated the investigation.

Types of Whistleblower Claims

Violations of the False Claims Act can occur in any industry that enters
into a government contract. Often, False Claims Act cases involve
Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security and defense contractor fraud.
Other types of fraud covered by the False Claims Act include the
following:

Environmental fraud

Federal student loan fraud

Federal crop insurance fraud

Government construction fraud

Government contractor fraud

GSA fraud

US customs and shipping fraud

US Postal Service fraud

History of the False Claims Act

The law was originally enacted during the Civil War when early defense
contractors were supplying the Union army with rancid food, infested
blankets and defective weapons. Dismayed by the greed and disloyalty of
these contractors, President Lincoln urged Congress to pass a law which
punishes those who attempt to take advantage of the government and
rewards those who turn in the fraudulent parties. Soon after, Congress
passed the False Claims Act of 1863. Today, the False Claims Act
continues to be a vital piece of legislation that helps the United
States recover nearly $3 billion dollars annually.

At Morgan and Morgan, we have a number of experienced False Claims Act
attorneys who can help you with any legal action involving a false
claim. We will work tirelessly to help ensure that you are properly
compensated as a whistleblower and that you are protected against
employer retaliation. If you have knowledge of government fraud, learn
more about your opportunities for compensation by completing our free,
no risk case evaluation today.